Loyalist Township is committed to offering high‑quality, accessible recreation opportunities for all residents and patrons. As part of this work, we are nearing completion of the revitalization of the W.J. Henderson Community Centre (WJHCC) which will enable the Township to meet a wide variety of community needs within the WJHCC.
As part of developing a single, more efficient recreation centre service model, Loyalist Township is proposing to close the Leisure & Activity Centre (LAC) and consolidate applicable recreation programs and services into the WJHCC.
A report will be presented at the March 10, 2026, Council meeting, with implementation proposed through a Spring/Summer 2026 pilot at WJHRC and a target transition date in August 2026.
A Clear Staged Approach: The Township will use a pilot period to test operations and confirm readiness before full transition.
An opportunity to provide feedback: Residents are encouraged to provide feedback! Feedback will be collected and used to refine schedules and operations before the transition.
Transparent and Frequent Updates: Residents will receive clear details on what’s changing, when, and where to go.
A commitment to Recreation Programming: Loyalist Township remains focused on service continuity, with many programs continuing at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre (WJHRC) as the central hub.
As part of the transition, some programs may have updated room locations or adjusted times to support capacity and maintain program quality. Enhanced wayfinding and first-visit supports will also be available at WJHRC to ensure participants feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident in the space.
Bringing fitness, recreation programs, aquatics, skating, and library resources under one roof—creates a single, convenient destination for families and individuals. This will simplify your schedule and make multi‑activity visits easy!
After a program, skate, fitness class or visit to the library stop and have a coffee and socialize with your classmates and local community members.
The W.J. Henderson Community Centre is a Transit stop for both the Loyalist Link and the Route 10., Residents from Bath, Amherst Island, Odessa and Amherstview can travel to the centre on public transit with options to continue on to Kingston too.
A: The intent is to maintain programming by delivering programs through a more efficient, consolidated model, primarily at WJHRC as the hub. Some programs may change location or schedule.
A: The report is being brought to Council publicly on March 10, 2026. The Township is planning a staged transition including a Spring/Summer pilot, with a proposed closure/cutover date of August 1, 2026, subject to readiness and pilot outcomes.
A: Program locations will be posted in a clear “where your program is going” list as schedules are finalized. Many programs will be delivered at WJHRC, with some at other Township facilities or offsite where appropriate.
A: To support staffing modernization, reduce operational duplication, and improve long-term sustainability using a single recreation centre service model—while maintaining community access to programming.
A: Residents can use the Township’s posted feedback form/contact information, and staff will track questions/themes to refine transition planning.
Do you have a question about the closure of the Leisure & Activity Centre (LAC) and transition of recreation and fitness programs and services into the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre (WJHRC)? Ask them here!
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These are the people that are listening and responding to your questions.
Landscape Architect / Senior Project Manager
Director of Community & Customer Services
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Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 613-386-7351 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.loyalist.ca |
| In writing | Box 70, 263 Main Street |
